EIU Posts Win Over Eastern Kentucky

Eastern Illinois had some timely hitting in the middle innings Friday afternoon as the Panthers won the Ohio Valley Conference series opener, 9-5, over Eastern Kentucky at Coaches Stadium.  The two teams will resume the series on Saturday at 1 p.m.

EIU improved to 8-28 overall, 5-14 in the OVC. EKU dropped to 14-23, 7-11 in the OVC.

Trailing 4-3 heading into the bottom of the fourth EIU scored three runs in the bottom of the inning.  EIU loaded the bases with a Bobby Wenthe walk, John Devito single and Joseph Duncan infield hit.  Marshawn Taylor then drew a bases loaded walk to tie the game as EKU starter Alex Hamilton (3-4) issued five walks on the day.  Caleb Howell then delivered a two-run single through the right side that gave EIU the lead.

The Panthers tacked on two insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth as Demetre Taylor had an RBI triple and Wenthe followed with an RBI double.  Demetre Taylor was 4-for-5 for EIU with two RBI.

The offense would be enough for Panthers starter Jake Johansmeier (2-4) who won his second straight game going six innings.  Chase Thurston picked up his second save of the year with three innings of relief.

EIU opened the game with two runs in the first on a Brant Valach sacrifice fly and infield hit by Demetre Taylor.  The Panthers plated a run in the second on a Adam Casson single after Mitch Gasbarro opened the inning with a triple to right.

EKU scored single runs in the second and third innings.  Shea Sullivan scored the Colonels first run stealing home on a double steal.  Kyle Nowlin drove home EKU’s run in the third with a single up the middle.

The Colonels took the lead in the top of the fourth as Doug Teegarden and Mandy Alvarez had RBI singles.  Teegarden finished the day 3-for-5 while Alvarez was 2-for-3.  Logan Starnes and Kenny Hostrander also added two hits for EKU.

Both teams added a single run in the late innings.  EKU scored in the seventh on an RBI single by Starnes.  EIU’s run in the eighth was driven home by Valach with a single to right as he extended his hitting streak to ten games.

Duncan, Howell and Devito all had two hits for EIU.